High Pathogen Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a severe strain of bird flu that poses risks to native birds (taonga species), poultry, and potentially human health. While not currently detected in New Zealand, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is closely monitoring the situation internationally and has implemented measures to prepare for a potential outbreak.
For updates and information on MPI’s response, visit their website.
What Greater Wellington residents can do
Check for signs of sick or dead birds. Symptoms include:
- a lack of coordination, tremors, swimming in circles
- twisted neck or other abnormal posture
- inability to stand or fly
- diarrhoea
- difficulty breathing, coughing or sneezing
- swelling around the head, neck and eyes
- cloudiness or change in colour of the eyes
- sudden death.
- Visit DOC’s website for more information on how to spot bird flu symptoms.
- Avoid contact with dead birds or birds that appear unwell.
- Report unusual bird deaths (three or more in one area) to the MPI hotline at 0800 80 99 66.
If we all contribute to keeping an eye out and reporting any sighting early, it gives us the best chance to manage HPAI more collaboratively and effectively.
